Henbury submission6

1. Application details
File No: MCU14/0028
Postal address of Land (as advertised): 317 Lawnville Rd, Black Mountain
Nature of Proposed Development: Animal husbandry Type 2 Intensive

2. Submitter details
Full name of Submitter :Jon Rice Gemmell
Postal address : 12 Lakeview Drive
Suburb 	State 	Postcode : Tewantin, Queensland, 4565
Signature(s) :
Date of Submission : 03/07/2014

I would like to make the following comments of support in response to the submission provided by the Primary Producer Melsted Park Pty Ltd for the Henbruy Family Trust.

The Sunshine Coast Council recognised in 2009 report – Rural Futures Background Study that:

 “Agriculture, including grazing, poultry farms, tree crops and other crops, is an important part of the rural heritage of the Sunshine Coast and an integral contributor to the character of the hinterland. The retention of agriculture, particularly in those areas where farming activities have been the traditional use, is important to preserving the rural character and community identity.” (Rural Futures Background Study – October 2009 p1)
http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/addfiles/documents/opof/rural_futures/rural_futuresbg_study.pdf

This farm has in the past been used for a variety of agricultural purposes, all being utilised at varying degrees of intensity. The proposal continues to follow these purposes with a greater degree of on field management and development of natural resources within its boundaries - providing a sustainable and long-term future for the farmed land.

The Henbury family have, as indicated in the application, been actively researching the best modern practices to transform their existing farmland into a more productive and sustainable landscape.

In doing so they have identified and addressed the following environmental management issues in table 14-2 (Page 7):
The farm will be designated as Animal Husbandry Type 2 Intensive
Traffic and road impact will be limited and does not compromise the road functional characteristics
Rigid body truck movement is limited to 1 per month
Small vehicle (van) movement to 6 per month
That good quality agricultural land is protected and through the processes outlined will, in the future, be enhanced
The lot area is sufficient in size
All creeks and water access is suitably fenced with controls in place for low impact water management for animals
Environmental best practices are met through a detailed analysis of future stocking rates (S10)

The above points strongly indicate that there will be minimal impact on neighbouring properties and that major issues that may arise have been given suitable consideration in the application.  Comparative stocking rates (1000 head of chickens having the same footprint as 14 head of cattle) will have a minimal impact within the 60 hectare property. Large and medium vehicle movements are comparatively minimal with large vehicle movement (Heavy Rigid Body truck) using this section of road once per month.

Environmental impacts will be minimised through the adoption of best and innovative farming practices. Indications from the proposal demonstrate that there is clear potential to not only provide a business that is sustainable but the proposal also demonstrates a positive and sustainable relationship with the land that will in time improve its overall quality and productivity.

The proposal is backed by well documented and current research which is aimed at improving soil health, animal health and human health through the production of products that are chemical and hormone free, contribute to the overall improvement of soil biodiversity and therefore the longevity and sustainability of the farm.

The application closely follows farming principals developed by Joel Salatin, a leading and innovative American farmer. The applicant intends to mimic these practices. This involves intensive cell grazing of pasture by a variety of animals at stocking rates indicated by the application. By following these principals there is:
an absolute focus on maximising production output
an improvement in soil and pasture quality
a reduction in weed management issues
a continual daily rotation of livestock through to new pasture that has not been grazed
a minimisation of  waste management problems traditionally associated with high stocking rates
 zero stockpiling of any waste and complete minimisation of potential smell and water contamination issues
rapid dispersion of manure inputs resulting in minimal impact on pasture and maximising pasture growth rates
 production of greater biomass and in turn a greater ability to sequester carbon than other traditional agricultural practices.

The applicant has clearly indicated that they will address the following environmental issues that will have positive impacts on surrounding properties:
fencing of creeks to minimise water course bank destruction and water contamination
development of off creek watering systems
repair of riparian vegetation within creek systems
reduction of introduced species of plants within riparian system

The development of soil health and biodiversity have been addressed by the applicant indicating that effective farm management practices will be undertaken to continue to develop soil health and dynamic living systems with beneficial micro organisms by:
maintaining a chemical free philosophy
engaging local experts in the area to develop soil health – Nutri-Tech (www.nutri-tech.com.au ) – Yandina
utilising and replicating natural animal systems that build soil fertility
conserving and enhancing natural riparian spaces

Research from Dr Elaine Ingham (www.soilfoodweb.com) indicates that sustainable chemical free agricultural practices develop the soil food web and subsequently ensure over all improvements in crop and animal health.

 The application is not an isolated example of this type of farming practice. Numerous examples have been documented within Australia and overseas and reflect that this type of farming practice is not unique and can be quantifiably based.  Examples include

Ravenscreek Farm – Moriac, Victoria -  http://ravenscreekfarm.blogspot.com.au/
Tarnaki Farm, Woodend, Victoria – www.taranakifarm.com.au
Buena Vista – Gerringong, NSW – www.buenavistafarm.com.au
Milkwood Permaculture , Mudgee, NSW – www.milkwoodpermaculture.com.au
Polyface Farm, Swoope, Virginia, USA – www.polyfacefarms.com
Working Hand Farm – USA – www.workinghandsfarm.com
Old Mill Road – Moruya, NSW – www.oldmillroad.com.au
Daylesford Organics – Daylesford, Victoria http://daylesfordorganics.blogspot.com.au

All of these farms have engaged similar practices to that of Joel Salatin and include highly sustainable and marketable agricultural practices that follow intensive mobile stocking rates, pasture rotation and management and environmental improvement. Many of these farms are within close proximity to central business districts and are from between 8 hectares to 70 hectares.

The applicants have engaged in furthering their knowledge (to date) of sustainable farming practices by undertaking a ‘Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture’ lead by industry leader Graeme Sait, Nutri-tech, Yandina.

I strongly support this application as it offers an exciting glimpse into the future of farming practices within this area. It provides a sustainable model that benefits and enhances the local environment, treats animals ethically and in the long term builds a future for coming generations, and in the process, offers healthy, organic products to consumers. The proposal not only has the potential to produce high quality products but also enhance the reputation of the Noosa Shire in recognising and supporting environmentally friendly and sustainable business solutions.

Submitter’s name:  Jon Rice Gemmell